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Monday, July 18, 2011

Which Photo Would You Choose?

Today when I was working on my post about 79 year old Rose, I had a choice to make. I had taken a number of photographs of her, and had to decide which ones to use. I generally keep my photos pretty free of editing. I want to present the most respectful and inspiring images possible, in order to stay true to the spirit of my subjects. It's interesting how the turn of a head, a hand on the hip,or subtle shift in weight can change the mood of a photo.

When I approach an outstanding lady or gentleman, I always start by giving them a compliment, and then ask if I can take their photo. I prefer to let them pose in which ever way feels most comfortable, only coaching them when they ask for a little help. I like to take photos that are full of vitality and spirit. The men and women I photograph are full of life and it's my duty to convey this in each photo I take. If you were to post one of the photos above, which would you choose and why?

68 comments:

I am torn between #1 and #3, but I think I would choose the first one because I like the fact that it looks completely candid and the tilt of her head shows her face better. I think the middle one is too poised and highlights the pocketbook too much. Great work - I am 62 years old and I LOVE this blog. Kudos to you for highlighting older ladies - it gives me something to look forward to. -Lana www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com

I like the first one--the jacket adds to the ensemble, which is why I prefer it to the second one, and I like the position of her hands in the first photo (one arm more vertical, the other more horizontal) compared to the third one, where both arms are in roughly the same position.

haha, i'm glad to see im not alone with my choice. the third photograph is just a great combination of the first two. it has the ease of the second and the class of the first. composition wise, its nice too.

Hi Ari, happy week to you. Personally I love them all, but if I had to choose one, it would be number 3. Simply because it looks natural to me. It's as if she heard someone say, "Excuse me please," and she just happened to turn around with a smile on her face and her body looks as though she's turned a little towards the voice. She's lovely. Take care.

I'd have to say the third is my favorite--I feel it looks very natural and seems to convey a bit of panache (I think that's the word I'm looking for) where Rose's style and personality really seems to shine through. An amazing lady!

For me it's between the first and the third. I'd choose the first because of the action that is implied.I am so happy to have found your blog and to be a follower - it brightens my day whenever you post.

#2 looks like she is posing. #1 looks like she doesn't quite have her jacket on and #3 is PERFECT! :-) Just found your blog and am loving it. Turning 50 next year is haunting me already. Your blog is helping me see the future differently. Thank you

I would choose the first photograph, because the Lady looks more daring and active than in picture number two (here the way she holds the bag protectively in front of her is making her older than in the first one). All three are great pictures, but I love the first most.

Going for nr 2, although I do realize that will not help at all as everyone is going for the 1 and 3..it is the foot I think and the eyes. she seems almost to funerable in the other photo's. in this one the shadow of the hat protects they eyes a bit.

I was joyful when I saw the "Long Line of Presentation" post, where you used photo #2. She looks just like my beloved grandmother standing there. I also liked the close-up #3 in that set - nice for details and seeing her face clearly. Other than that, #3 in "Which Photo" seems natural and unaffected.Thank you for your blog!

First of all, I cannot believe I've only just found your blog. It is amazing. I personally love the third photo of Rose. Also, I love in the previous post her explanation about how one piece should not outdo another. She is just wonderful.

The third picture clearly. The second picture has a weird military or manly vibe, plus the jacket is missing, and i love her jacket. The first picture - she looks somehow too protective of herself - her smile it's more unnatural. The third picture would be the good one - she has a clear vibe - her hands position are more relaxed. At least that is what I would choose.

SHe looks quite lovely in all of them, Ari, but I like #3 the best. She looks relaxed and at ease with the photographer. Was it actually one that you took later in the shoot? Perhaps she did become more at ease with you (or your photographer). Wanda in Edmonton

Of course she looks great in all of them :-). But I'd definitely drop no2, which is too posed. And I prefer no1 to no3, because it looks more spontaneous and lively while showing essentially all the same ingredients.

Defiintely the third one. The first looks like she isn't quite ready for the shutter; the second one is too stiff. (In all of them, though, she looks very confident and proud, like all your subjects - you must have a good approach!)

Wow, I'm definitely in the minority choosing photo 2, without the jacket. There is a timelessness about the pose but also a boldness - I love seeing her looking back at us straight on with that relaxed smile. The dress and accessories just speak to me in #2, a classic look. I think the hemline of this dress could come up a good 6 inches, giving it a somewhat updated profile, and it looks like the lady has fine legs that she should show off.